“Hot Wheels” and Hot Air: Tyrus Tears Into Jasmine Crockett—and the Internet Watches in Disbelief

In the ever-chaotic ecosystem of American politics, it often takes less than a minute of viral content to catapult a name from obscure congressional backbencher to household lightning rod. Enter Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), whose recent viral remarks—and the ensuing takedown by Fox News contributor Tyrus—have ignited a firestorm across both sides of the political aisle.

It started with a controversial soundbite. While speaking on the role of immigrants in America’s labor force, Crockett argued, “Ain’t none of y’all trying to go farm right now… We done picking cotton. You can’t pay us enough to find a plantation.” The comment, meant to highlight the necessity of migrant labor, was received less as an economic observation and more as a racially provocative misfire.

Cue Tyrus.

The 6’7” former pro-wrestler turned political pundit didn’t hold back. “That was some of the dumbest [expletive] I’ve ever heard in my life,” he said, visibly exasperated. “If you’re going to talk about Black history, at least know it. At least know it!”

But it wasn’t just the substance of Crockett’s remarks that drew fire—it was her delivery. Tyrus noted that her shifting vocal tone and performative language suggested something far more manufactured than authentic. “That was the ‘get the job’ voice,” he quipped. “Once she got it, now it’s jokes and Hot Wheels.”

That last part refers to Crockett’s now infamous jab at Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who uses a wheelchair. “Y’all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there,” she had said with a smirk. Though Crockett later claimed the comment wasn’t aimed at Abbott’s disability, social media sleuths quickly surfaced a history of posts in which she used the same nickname, including a 2022 Facebook remark asking, “Where is Abbott rolling to?”

For critics like Tyrus, this wasn’t a one-off gaffe—it was a pattern.

“She thinks she’s clever, but someone’s writing this stuff for her,” he argued. “When white people try to write ‘Black slang,’ weird [expletive] happens.”

Crockett’s defenders argue that she’s simply speaking in a style that resonates with her base—an unapologetic, direct, and at times humorous tone that defies Washington’s usual polished script. But her detractors say she’s not elevating the discourse—she’s dragging it down.

And therein lies the broader debate. In an era where viral videos can redefine political capital, is it more important to be authentic or to be responsible? Crockett seems to be choosing the former, even if it means sacrificing nuance for attention.

Tyrus, meanwhile, isn’t alone in his takedown. Many online commentators, including conservatives and moderates, expressed outrage over her flippant tone and perceived racial pandering. Some even called for formal censure, citing her “Hot Wheels” jab as ableist and out of step with the decorum expected from elected officials.

But Tyrus also struck a surprising note of clarity amid the chaos, pointing out a core policy issue that got lost in the noise: immigration reform. “Why don’t you fix the lottery?” he asked rhetorically. “Make it easier for vetted people to come into this country and work in agriculture. Come up with a plan.”

That critique—directed more at the system than any single party—was rare common ground. While Crockett may have intended to advocate for immigrant labor, her framing missed an opportunity to offer real solutions. Instead, she delivered punchlines—some of which landed flat, others which hit nerves.

It all raises a larger question: Is this what political discourse in America has come to? Soundbites. Insults. And viral fame?

By the end of the segment, even the hosts were asking, only half-jokingly: “Why is Jasmine Crockett even famous?” One answer seemed obvious: “Because we keep talking about her.”

And talk we will. But whether Crockett’s star rises or crashes under the weight of her own words, one thing is clear—she’s not going anywhere quietly. Neither is Tyrus.

In today’s political landscape, clout doesn’t always follow competence.

Sometimes, it just follows controversy.